Jewellery: Wax Carving Tuesday Evening

About this course

Participants work with jewellery wax to transfer designs, carve three-dimensional forms and use heat to shape the material. The course covers different wax types, suitable carving tools and ways to adapt tools for particular tasks, alongside methods for repairing and altering carvings. Demonstrations are provided to the group and to individuals where appropriate. Learners prepare carved pieces for casting by refining and smoothing their surfaces, then learn how to clean and polish the resulting jewellery.

What you'll learn

• Cut, carve and heat-form jewellery wax
• Transfer designs onto wax and develop three-dimensional forms
• Repair, alter and smooth wax carvings in preparation for casting
• Clean and polish a cast jewellery piece
• Explain the main stages of the wax-carving and casting process

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as learners with metalwork or jewellery-making experience who want to extend their skills. Participation involves practical work with tools and materials, including unfamiliar or challenging techniques, with demonstrations for the group and individuals where appropriate.

• Learners are expected to experiment with tools and materials during the practical work.
• Demonstrations are given to the group and, where appropriate, to individual learners.

Before you go

• All tools needed for the course are available in the workshop.
• Bring an apron, a fine-tip black marker pen, pencil and paper or a sketchbook.
• Bring glasses for close work and observing demonstrations if needed.
• Wear enclosed, flat footwear. Open-toed shoes and high heels are not appropriate.
• A mask may be required in class and must be worn around the college.
• Wax pieces are cast off-site in silver or bronze and returned for finishing and polishing. Casting costs are not included and vary according to the material, size and number of pieces.
• Health and safety guidance is provided as techniques are introduced. Some chemicals may be harmful during pregnancy, so pregnant learners should inform the tutor.